A little over two decades ago, when Cesar Odio was still in his early 30s, the 6-5 former Columbus High and Florida Southern forward signed up to play a charity basketball game. On the opposing team were several Miami Dolphins football players, including offensive linemen who outweighed him by 70 pounds. That didn’t faze Odio. “Since he was our tallest guy, he matched up against these behemoths,” former Miami High and FIU basketball coach Shakey Rodriguez said. “Cesar was in there trading elbows. “I told him, ‘Cesar, you’re going to get us in a fight. We’re going to get killed.’ But he wouldn’t back down. Cesar was tough and hard-nosed. That’s how he played, and that’s how he coached.” It’s...
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